Controversy hits badminton court

Yang Yu (L) and Xiaoli Wang (R) have been embroiled in the controversy which has hit the badminton courts.Getty Images Sport - Michael Regan

FORMER British badminton star Gail Emms has called for the four women's pairs who last night apparently tried to throw matches to be disqualified from the Olympics.

She also claimed the referee had been warned before the matches that something "dodgy" could happen, but the concerns were dismissed.

In scenes of farce at Wembley Arena on Tuesday evening, a pair from China, two from South Korea and another from Indonesia seemed to want to lose in an attempt to manipulate the draw.

The Badminton World Federation confirmed that all four pairs would face charges of "not using one's best efforts to win a match" and "conducting oneself in a manner that is clearly abusive or detrimental to the sport".

A hearing will be held later on Wednesday morning with a decision due to be announced in due course.